NATASHA RECOMMENCES HER SENATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOLLOWING A SIX MONTH HIATUS
Read Time:3 Minute, 20 Second
Following the fulfillment of her six-month suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is poised to officially rejoin plenary sessions alongside her fellow lawmakers today (Tuesday).
This confirmation was provided by one of her attorneys, Victor Giwa, in a discussion with the media.
The upper legislative chamber had previously postponed its reconvening from September 23 to October 7, 2025, thereby prolonging its annual recess by two weeks and suspending discussions on numerous significant national issues.
Her legal representatives have cautioned the Senate against any attempt to impede her access to the chamber, maintaining that the Kogi Central legislator has completed her sentence and is constitutionally permitted to resume her legislative responsibilities.
Giwa conveyed a sense of hope, asserting, “I believe the worst is behind us.”
He remarked, “I believe our client should proceed directly to resume on Tuesday. Any additional sentiments expressed are merely opinions. As Femi Falana stated, the Senate cannot transform into an entity that condones illegality.
“You cannot coerce the National Assembly to operate under the dictates of a select few. The National Assembly is an institution founded on law, and its actions must be guided by legal principles, rather than the caprices of its leadership. ”
He indicated that further obstruction would contradict the Senate’s own resolution and throw the legislature into “complete disarray. ”
“She has fulfilled her six-month term, so any current court proceedings will only ascertain the validity of the actions taken in March. It is unrelated to her resumption.
“If you obstruct her resumption, it signifies a contradiction to your own resolution and the rationale behind her original six-month suspension.
“That is the total disarray you are inciting, and the National Assembly cannot be perceived as endorsing such behavior,” he warned.
Akpoti-Uduaghan previously labeled Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a “dictator” during a visit to her office two weeks ago after the conclusion of her sanction.
Her reinstatement occurred following the unsealing of her office, situated in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, by Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
Upon her return, the suspended lawmaker remained steadfast, asserting that she has “no apologies to offer. ”
She stated, “It is truly remarkable how much we have endured over the past six months, from the unjust suspension to the recall. However, we emerged from the recall, intimidation, and that unreasonable individual on Facebook.
“In all circumstances, it is sometimes necessary to challenge the institution. We cannot shrink back in the face of injustice. No one holds a greater claim to being Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am.
“He does not govern this place; yet he has treated me as if I were a servant or domestic staff member in his home. It is deeply regrettable that we have a National Assembly governed by such a dictator. This is entirely unacceptable. ”
The office has remained secured since March 6, 2025, when the legislator was suspended from the Senate chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been embroiled in a prolonged impasse with the Senate leadership, continued to assert her defiance, emphasizing that she harbored “no remorse to express. ”
The contentious legislator was subjected to a six-month suspension in March, prohibiting her from participating in all functions of the 10th Senate due to alleged impropriety during her demonstration against the reallocation of her position by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
Despite the official expiration of her suspension in September, she was unable to return owing to legal disputes and opposition from the Senate leadership. Attempts to contact Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and the media aide to the Senate President for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages received no response.
With the National Assembly reconvening today following its extended recess, all attention is directed towards the Senate chamber as citizens of Nigeria await to determine if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be permitted to re-enter plenary—or be obstructed at the entrance.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0